Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
April 2026
Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, have today [Wednesday 22 April] announced that pop icon and stage star Will Young will headline this year’s pantomime as The Fairy Godfather in Cinderella, running from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Will Young has spent the last two decades at the forefront of British pop after bursting onto the scene in 2002 as the original winner of Pop Idol. His multi-award-winning music career includes four Number 1 albums, two BRIT Awards, and an impressive catalogue of hit singles including Leave Right Now, Evergreen and Jealousy. Alongside his music, Will has carved out a successful acting career across stage and screen, as well as presenting for both BBC Radio 2 and Magic.
Will’s latest studio album Light It Up reached the UK Top 5 in 2024, and his Light It Up tour saw him play a sellout 56 dates across the UK, with extra dates added due to phenomenal demand. His theatre credits include starring in Cabaret in the West End, where he was nominated for an Olivier Award for his portrayal of the Emcee. He has also appeared in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical (Piccadilly Theatre) and Song From Far Away (Hampstead Theatre). Last year, Will made his panto debut at The Bristol Hippodrome as The Spirit of the Beans in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Away from music and theatre, Will loves spending time renovating his new garden and guest appearing on Gardners’ World. In 2025, he co-founded Miraculous Meals, a dog food brand that donates 50% of its annual profits to dog rescue centres.
Will Young said:
“I’m thrilled to be playing the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. I made my panto debut last year and had an absolute blast. For me it’s all about having fun with the audiences and I just know the crowd in Plymouth are going to be the most fun ever. I can’t wait to get busy waving my wand all over the place and spreading a little bit of magic this Christmas. Hope to see you there.”
Cinderella is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, the team behind recent Theatre Royal Plymouth Christmas successes including last year’s production of Dick Whittington, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison, said:
“It is a pleasure to be working with Will again following his panto debut last year. He has a natural connection with audiences and brings real warmth and humour to the stage making him an excellent choice for the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella.”
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth said:
“We are delighted to announce Will Young will be bringing his fantastic voice and brilliant humour to this year’s panto. His Devon roots and pop-icon status mean that Cinderella will be one not to miss this Christmas at TRP.”
Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Theatre Royal Plymouth audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Cinderella will play at Theatre Royal Plymouth, from Friday 04 December 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027. Tickets are available from www.theatreroyal.com